RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TRAVELING LIKE A LOCAL IN VERMONT.

It’s fall 2017. The Vermont craft beer scene is thriving. In fact, there are over 50 breweries in Vermont making craft beer. There’s more beer in Vermont per capita than any other state. Tourists are still flocking to Vermont to get their hands on Heady Topper and Sip of Sunshine. Breweries like Foam on the waterfront in Burlington and Fiddlehead in Shelburne and expanding, gaining in popularity, and quickly becoming favorite Vermont beer destinations as well.I am all for drinking beer from the Vermont greats (ahem, Hill Farmstead, The Alchemist, Lawson’s Finest). You can usually find beer from all three in our beer fridge. But, I also applaud the little guys… the ones that don’t have automated systems and do most everything by hand. The brewers that are bottling and canning by hand. You know, the breweries that are putting out amazing brews that fly under the radar. Some microbreweries in Vermont use their size to their advantage and create unique flavor combos in small batches (tomato-basil anyone? Rum and coconut?), while others are determined to make beers that are faithful to the style they’re crafted to be (marzens and English porters and traditional lagers).With so many breweries in Vermont, how do you decide who to choose? Here are my picks for my favorite Vermont breweries you probably have never heard of… and if you’ve heard of them, you likely haven’t visited yet (but should).

The Best Vermont Breweries You’ve Never Heard Of

I first discovered Upper Pass last year at SIPtemberfest (the best beer festival in Vermont, if you’re never been). I literally had never heard of them… Looking back, I remember being impressed with what I tasted and then forgot about them. That is, until I grabbed a four pack of Cloud Drop IPA at my local meat and seafood store (that also happens to be a great beer and wine stop – Vermont Meat & Seafood in Williston). I dig the art on the can (us marketers can judge a book by its cover, okay!?), and it quickly became one of my go-to beers this summer.

The brewery itself, which now has a one-barrel pilot system and plans to expand to a twin ten-barrel system, was once a building for washing wool. Their core beers plan to highlight one main ingredient, whether a hop, malt, yeast, etc. They also roast their own coffee beans… Keep an eye out for their upcoming announcement of when their tasting room and coffee shop will open in 2017!

Four Quarters is my watering hole of choice nowadays… You can typically find me there having some samples of the newest beers on draft Saturday evenings. Brian Eckert is one of the most adventurous brewers in the state right now, always coming up with innovative flavor combos. Try RUMbrellas, a sour with coconut and pineapple aged in Caribbean Rum barrels, Smores Stout, a heavenly stout with graham crackers and marshmallow, or Sumac Sour, a non-poisonous, fruity sour made from sumac. Visiting the brewery itself is a fun experience. There are always great people hanging out in the intimate, industrial-warehouse setting where you’ll always be surprised and delighted with what’s on tap.

Good Measure is one of the newest breweries in Vermont and gaining popularity quite quickly. Andrew Leichthammer, the brewer behind Good Measure in Northfield, Vermont, came from Mule Bar, a craft beer destination in Winooski. The brewery and tasting room in Northfield offers a variety of their brews on tap, along with growler fills and occasionally special bottle releases. Good Measure’s intention is to “give you something that doesn’t overload the palette, but rather gives you space for a range of tastes, textures, and experiences.” It’s true that in each of their beers, you’ll find something familiar yet something that’s different and new too. Check out their Early Riser, my favorite American Cream Ale in Vermont right now.

River Roost Brewery is the gem of Southern Vermont beer, IMHO. They’re located in White River Junction and next to a Big Fatty’s BBQ, which makes it even more worth a visit. Mostly hoppy, River Roost’s beers are highly drinkable and have the juiciness we want in a New England-style IPA. Try Idaho 7, Mas Verde and Front Porch Pickin’ for some standout IPAs.

Foley Brothers is off the beaten path in Brandon, Vermont, literally down a dirt road close to the Neshobe Golf Course. Only five years old with a seven-barrel setup, Foley Brothers’ beer can be found in bombers across the state (and beyond now). But the brewery is worth a visit as well. The barn, which houses the tasting room, is quintessential Vermont. Their brews are historically mostly IPAs (Pieces of Eight, Skeleton Crew, Fair Maiden), but they are branching out into sours and stouts as well. Draft pours and 22 ounce bottles are available for carry away from the brewery as well. Have a wine drinker in your party? Bob Foley, the brothers’ father and Director of Operations for the brewery, also makes wine. Keep an eye out for cans!

Idletyme Brewing is probably my most recommended brewery to out-of-staters who ask me for input on their Vermont beer itineraries. Why? It’s literally across the road from The Alchemist and is often overlooked. You won’t find an over abundance of Vermont hops, but you will find craft beers that are classically created and faithful to the style they’re created in. There’s a biergarten with a bar outside for al fresco day drinking, and the food is quite good as well. Try the Double Bock, Maerzen, and Danube. If you’re into VT hops, the Doubletyme is a solid dry-hopped double IPA.

As we reach that ideal time of year between late summer and early fall, the Northeast beckons with an array of charming coastal retreats and vibrant mountain settings. Some inspire tranquil beach days along the Atlantic, while others are already seeing the first leaves change, but each is easily accessible by private charter – and often difficult to reach via commercial connection.

For your next flight with Tradewind Aviation, here are eight destinations that epitomize the beauty of private air travel:

NEWPORT

America’s Cup and the Volvo Ocean Race are just a few of the internationally recognized sailing events to have been held in Newport, renowned as the sailing capital of the world. Once a retreat for wealthy American families like the Vanderbilts, the coastal Rhode Island city still emanates the splendor of the Gilded Age with centuries-old city squares and beautifully restored mansions, some of which have been transformed into boutique hotels.

Fly into Newport State Airport, where Tradewind’s Pilatus PC-12s are some of the only aircraft capable of landing, then explore Newport’s fascinating history with accommodations at Vanderbilt Grace, Castle Hill Inn overlooking Narragansett Bay, or The Chanler at Cliff Walk. The 3.5-mile Cliff Walk offers breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, and exquisite cuisine awaits at Bouchard Restaurant, The Dining Room at Castle Hill Inn (where the wine list is consistently recognized by Wine Spectator), and Bowen’s Wharf.

SARANAC LAKE

Verdant mountains and more than 100 lakes frame the charming town of Saranac Lake, located in the Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York. With activities from boating and fishing to snowshoeing and snowmobiling, the destination is a spectacular year-round retreat with a lively downtown strip that regularly sees musicians performing and artists painting near Lake Flower.

You can fly into Adirondack Regional Airport, but the more scenic approach is the nearby Lake Placid Airport, with a 4,200-foot runway in the midst of a lush, forested landscape. Stay in a log cabin crafted from native timber and stone without sacrificing comfort at The Point, and dine at standout restaurants like Blue Moon Cafe, Left Bank Café, and Bitters & Bones.

MARTHA’S VINEYARD AND NANTUCKET

Among the most sought-after retreats in the Northeast, the neighboring islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket abound with New England coastal charm and rich history. Idyllic hillsides and beaches overlooked by lighthouses give way to quaint towns, where you will discover exquisite globally inspired cuisine, boutique shopping, and opportunities for sailing.

Visitors can fly into Martha’s Vineyard Airport or Nantucket Memorial Airport with Tradewind’s regularly scheduled shuttles, or for larger parties, by private charter. (Keep in mind, Tradewind’s fleet can also land at Katama Airfield.) During your stay on the Vineyard, Winnetu Oceanside Resort overlooking South Beach offers a wonderful base to explore the surrounding villages and dine at restaurants like Atria and Little House Café. A quick plane ride away, the cobblestoned streets and steepled churches of Nantucket await. Stay at The Wauwinet or the White Elephant and explore exceptional dining at The Pearl (try the acclaimed wok-fried lobster) and Straight Wharf(nightly changing, seasonal offerings).

BAR HARBOR

Set between Acadia National Park and the deep blue Atlantic, Bar Harbor is one of Maine’s most coveted destinations for its beautiful scenery and world-class lobster. The Mount Desert Island town is close to hiking and biking trails that follow soaring cliffs and the rock-bound coastline, and in town, an array of unique dining experiences highlight fresh-off-the-boat seafood and local farm produce.

The Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, located just across the bridge on the mainland, features a 5,200-foot runway alongside the waters of the Mount Desert Narrows. After landing, check into Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina, or West Street Hotel before ordering some of the freshest lobster in the northeast at the roadside shack Rose Eden Lobster. And for a gourmet experience, order the Coulette steak over warm blueberry and spinach salad at Havana.

STOWE

Located at the base of Mount Mansfield in Vermont, the mountain village of Stowe is best known for its premier skiing and winter adventures. But much of the region’s beauty reveals itself during other seasons, from summer hiking and fly fishing to some of the most legendary leaf viewing in the Northeast each fall.

The 3,701-foot runway at Morrisville-Stowe State Airport is your gateway to Stowe Mountain Lodge, featuring ski-in, ski-out access to the slopes in winter and serving as a center for endless recreation during the warmer months. (Tradewind offers regularly scheduled shuttles as well as private charters to the airport, located just 7 miles from the center of town.) During your visit, be sure to have dinner at Plate – reserve the Chef’s Counter for an up-close view of the kitchen while you dine – and visit some of Vermont’s renowned craft breweries like Idletyme Brewing Company.

BLOCK ISLAND

Twelve miles off the coast of Rhode Island, a picturesque New England escape awaits with 17 miles of rock and sand beaches and dramatic, 250-foot cliffs. Touch down on Block Island State Airport’s 2,502-foot runway to explore sights like Mohegan Bluffs (with the 1800s red-brick Southeast Lighthouse set atop the cliffs), Crescent Beach, and the island’s two harbors where you can set sail for the day on a sleek catamaran.

The landmark Spring House Hotel, renowned for hosting visitors like Ulysses S. Grant and Mark Twain, is the place to stay with its quintessential, wraparound veranda and scenic views. Nearby, Restaurant 1879 offers a memorable tapas menu and a Wine Spectatoraward-winning wine list, while Winfield’s Restaurant serves up delectable entrees like grilled shrimp with Cajun remoulade over andouille sausage jambalaya.

MONTAUK

At the very tip of Long Island, 118 miles east of Midtown Manhattan, Montauk is known as the last untouched village of the Hamptons. Revered for its scenic, windblown beaches, the summer beach retreat features six state parks, exceptional fishing, resort nightlife, and the historic Montauk Point Light – the first lighthouse in New York and the fourth oldest active lighthouse in the United States.

With water at both ends, the 3,246-foot runway at Montauk Airport provides an incredibly picturesque landing only accessible to small aircraft like the Pilatus PC-12. Nearby, the historic Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is the only year-round resort in town and offers 2,000 feet of private beach. Spend your stay sunbathing by the Atlantic and dining at gourmet restaurants like Muse at the End, Scarpetta Beach, and Harvest on Fort Pond.

LACONIA

The serene waters of Lake Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam Lake border the mountain village of Laconia, located alongside White Mountains National Forest in New Hampshire. After soaring above the region’s many lakes during your landing at Laconia Municipal Airport, you may be inspired to take an air tour to further explore the spectacular landscape. Then, set out for boating, hiking, and walking the 1,300-foot Weirs Beach boardwalk for scenic views of the water and the Ossipee Mountains.

Stay at Lake Opechee Inn and Spa, a charming boutique hotel with individually decorated rooms and private balconies overlooking the smaller Lake Opechee. Then, go for farm-to-table cuisine at Tavern 27, an exceptional American tapas restaurant and piano bar located in a 235-year-old farm house.

When you find a restaurant that’s consistently amazing, it’s like hitting the jackpot. Well, we have one of those places and the outside is as much fun as the inside. Idletyme Brewing Company in Stowe has delicious food, great service and an outdoor patio that will have you longing to go anytime the sun is shining. Let’s take a look at this magical patio in VT.

The town of Stowe is a popular tourist destination year round.

When you’re in the area, you simply must check out Idletyme Brewing Company.

Behind the restaurant is their outdoor patio…

The outdoor “Treehouse” bar…

And a wonderful yard complete with lawn games.

There is even a garden where you can see some of the goodies you’ll be tasting.

This is where they grow the hops for their onsite brewery.

And, boy, is it great!

Idletyme is conveniently located on the bike path. Be sure to hop off your bike and relax with a burger or a beer!

You won’t miss it because it’s where there will be people and laughter enjoying themselves here.

Travelers and locals alike simply love it here, and we can understand why.

The dishes such as these VT Cheddar Fritters are unbelievably delicious!

So whether you sit on the outdoor patio, relax at the Treehouse bar or play a few rounds of Cornhole, this just might be your new favorite place.

Inside and out, it’s simply cool and sheik.

Whether you visit during the day…

Or at night… This awesome place is full of good food, great people and incredible stories to share.